Grand Valley celebrates life of longtime supporter Peter Turner

Leaders at Grand Valley and across West Michigan are celebrating the life of Peter Merrick Turner, a dedicated philanthropist and longtime supporter of the university. Turner died on September 1, 2025. He was 94.

Turner was a generous philanthropist whose lifelong passion for education influenced his giving. As a Grand Valley University Foundation member, he championed programs that advanced equity and opportunity, with particular devotion to women and gender studies.

“Peter was a remarkable friend to Grand Valley,” said President Philomena V. Mantella. “His generosity reflected not only his belief in the power of education but also his deep care for the people and programs he supported. In addition to his philanthropy, Peter was a trusted partner and advocate who believed deeply in the value of learning and community. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership, his kindness and his enduring legacy at Grand Valley.”

In 2006, Turner honored his partner Jean Enright by establishing the Jean Enright Women and Gender Studies Scholarship. He also generously contributed to the Enright Women and Gender Studies Endowment, ensuring the program could expand to reach more students.

Turner graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in engineering and earned an MBA from Harvard Business School. He built a successful career in business manufacturing, and, after many years in leadership roles, retired as vice president of corporate planning and development for SPX Corp. in Muskegon.

For more than 40 years, Turner supported a wide range of GVSU programs, including WGVU Public Media, Kaufman Interfaith Institute and Seidman College of Business. Turner was also an active supporter of civic and cultural life in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, reflecting his belief in building stronger communities through education and collaboration.